OpenSeed has partnered with Deepak Chopra – physician, author and wellness expert – and Yves Behar, CEO of fuseproject design studio, to launch meditation pods for personal wellness practices in the spa environment, workplace or private residences.

The Iris pod, priced at US$16,000 (€15,200, £12,900) is made with sustainable materials and integrates sound, guided meditations, aromatherapy and specially-designed lighting. It will launch in Q1 of 2023.

"OpenSeed pods can play an important role in facilitating meditation," said Chopra, "they offer a unique environment which integrates industrial design, technology and content that helps ease stress and expand self-awareness.”

A research study, supervised by neurosurgeon Dr Michihito Sugawara, showed that meditating in the pods increases the practice’s effectiveness because the isolated and controlled environment has great potential to quickly and effectively quiet the mind, reduce stress and enhance performance.

Further studies will focus on the effect of designed micro-environments that include content by Chopra and leading sound designers, therapists and meditation teachers.